I'm not really into restaurant's despite living in a city as filled with them as Las Vegas. If I had to pick though i'd have to go with Blueberry Hill (best Chicken n' Waffles ever) and CiCi's Pizza (all you can eat specialty pizza + pasta for under $10!). I'm classy like that.

25 minute drive west from where I live is a winery that supports a decent avant garde fare restaurant where the food is fresh, excellent and the prices are moderate. It's commercial name is Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Bistro located near Rocheport, MO up on a hill overlooking the floodplain and Missouri River. I suppose if midwest flora and fauna isn't your forte there's always I-70 off to your left at a distance. One can bring binoculars, ignore the damn birds overhead or hikers below (Katy Trail) , and focus razor sharp counting the trucks that ply across 1 of our nation's byways bringing commerce to your door or a store near you. Yippee!

PS: I find the regal description too hard to correctly pronounce, much less spell for this tome. I affectionately call it Cafe Berf. (tip o' the hat to Garrison Keillor and his Prairie Home Companion spoofery on public radio)

Nippon Japanese (I know redundant, same thing) Restaurant near the museum district downtown Houston. Best place to get a REAL bowl of Ramen within 200 miles. A small mom and pop restaurant everyone that works there is Japanese and they have 2 menus one in english one in Japanese. The Japanese menu has more exotic stuff on it than the english one alot of Japanese business men go there. Theres an old lady that works there thats kinda rude but the foods good. Has a nice look to it to "feels" like your really in Japan.

Red Mill Burgers is amazing
Lunchbox Laboratory also has a phenomenal burger and good drink specials
Beth's Cafe (Featured on Man vs Food) has the best breakfast in town
Then there's plentiful locations in the International District and lots of good cheap eats in the UW District.

Got a couple,
I live in Rochester NY but end up in Buffalo NY quite frequently

In Buffalo, there is this cute little restaurant called "59 cafe", it's small, lots of colors, very cute and cozy, friendly staff, vegan friendly (I eat meat but for those who don't..) and delicious food. It's very "hole in the wall" that isn't huge. I give it a 9/10 ^.^ I actually feel HAPPY when eating there. It's also INCREDIBLY affordable.
Soups, sandwiches, melts, burgers & vegetarian meals.
http://www.cafe59.com/

In Rochester :
Johns Tex Mex
in the South Wedge
First heard about this place during Pride 2 years ago when it became a sponsor, so some friends and myself decided to check it out. I've been a regular there ever since.
The food is incredibly affordable, about 7 dollars for a HUUUUUGE burrito.
Now, some people say huge, and it's just big. No, these things are enormous. I make 3 meals out of one.
Now I generally get a burrito, and it's a choice of 4 mains (Beef, Chicken, Un-beef, or Tofu)
And then 4 fillers (Everything you can imagine to pick from, right up to corn, mixed veggies, or the regulars)
The beef is real beef, not the typical taco stuff, and it's stringed. It has a very unique flavor you can't get anywhere else in the city.
8/10
http://johnstexmex.com/

Also in Rochester :
Mariachi's
located in across from STP, in the same plaza as the anime shop, China Buffet & Mighty Taco.
Another mexican food joint.
Bit more expensive than Johns, and for less food. However the quality is still superb and it's pretty delicious.
Not quite the amazing atmosphere as Johns either, but the AMAZING strawberry margaritas make up for that. ;D
Also they have really good deals some days, such as 2 burritos for 7.50 (Keep in mind, much smaller than the Johns ones)
7/10 ^.^

Well, the most important part is that they cook and prepare delicious food. Their udon, teriyaki, sushi, etc. are all top-notch and the ingredients are fresh and high-quality.

They are also very gracious and kind in their service, and since it's a small family-owned business, I see the same people every time I'm there. I become a regular and really get to know them and establish a relationship.

The restaurant isn't fancy or extraordinarily beautiful, but it's small, cute and cozy.

Their beef teriyaki is to die for, they marinade an actual New York steak so the quality is very good. Their chirashi is excellent, with a great variety of fresh seafood. Their udon is heavenly comforting on a cold rainy day.